Wisconsin-bound Jimenez enjoying break from wrestling mat

Marmion senior 120-pound wrestler Johnny Jimenez last competed in a match in February, choosing a less rigorous offseason path than in years past.

"Just really enjoying the break and the summer," Jimenez said. "I really like taking breaks and coming back hungry, you know."

The St. Charles product will have extra incentive when he begins his bid for a fourth individual state title in as many tries this winter. He'll be eager to stay sharp for a collegiate career he'll continue at Wisconsin.

Jimenez verbally committed to Wisconsin near the end of the school year, honoring the lone program to which he had made an official visit.

"Just the coaches, you know," Jimenez said. "They really care about all the wrestlers and they make you want to train hard with them. I really love their personalities and their coaching style. They make it a lot more exciting to wrestle for them and get in their room and hopefully win some national titles."

Jimenez becomes the latest in a string of Cadets from St. Charles to move on to the Big Ten. The list includes his older brother, Nico (Illinois), Pat Greco (Northwestern) and 2013 graduate George Fisher (Michigan).